Winter energy support schemes to help you stay warm this winter

Published on 12 January 2026 by:

Daniel Barr

Senior Vulnerable Customer Lead, British Gas

Heating a home can be expensive but there are various UK government energy support schemes that can help with cold weather payments. Support can vary depending on age, income, ability and location. And some schemes offer automatic payments, while others require an eligibility check with local councils or energy suppliers. We’ve looked at all the schemes available (so you don’t have to). Find out about them right here.

Winter support schemes available across the UK

Winter home discount schemes come in different shapes and sizes, including:

• Direct payments into your account
• Discounts on your energy bill
• Help from your local council
• Winter heating allowances

Read on to find out more about each scheme.

Winter Fuel Payment (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)

If you live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, the Winter Fuel Payment scheme could help you with your bills during the cold weather. But who gets it and what’s changed for 2025/26?

• Available automatically to people over State Pension age
• No longer needs a qualifying means-tested benefit
• Payment amounts depend on age and household circumstances
• People with more than £35,000 annual income must repay the amount through HMRC

Check the Gov guide for rates, dates and eligibility details.

Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (Scotland)

In Scotland, the Winter Fuel Payment has been replaced with the Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (PAWHP). It works in a similar way to the UK’s Winter Fuel Payment scheme but with slightly higher payments.

• Paid automatically to people over State Pension age living in Scotland
• Payment varies depending on age and living situation
• People with more than £35,000 annual income must repay the amount via tax

Letters are sent out to eligible people to let them know about the cold weather payment and how much they’ll get. If you qualify for PAWHP, you’ll receive it from Social Security Scotland to the same account as your pension.

Find details about payments and full eligibility on the Scottish Gov site.

Household Support Fund (England)

The Household Support Fund is a local council fund set up to help households who are struggling with essential costs, but the level of support differs between councils.

• Examples include food vouchers, fuel vouchers, one-off payments, or help paying specific bills
• Schemes usually prioritise low-income households, families with children, disabled people, or older residents
• Funding is time-limited and availability changes regularly

Check with your local council to see what help you can get and whether you’re eligible.

Warm Home Discount (England, Scotland and Wales)

If you get the Guarantee Credit element of Pension Credit or if you’re on a low income with high energy costs, you may be eligible for extra help from the government in the form of the Warm Home Discount. This does not affect you receiving the Cold Weather Payment or Winter Fuel Payment.

• One-off discount of £150 applied directly to electricity bills. If you want the discount on your gas bill instead (and you take gas from the same supplier as your electricity), contact your supplier to arrange the discount
• If you’re a pre-payment meter customer, you’ll get a voucher to top up your meter at a Post Office or a credit if you’re on Smart Pay As You Go (PAYG)
• No need to apply directly — the Government decide who is eligible and will write to let you know if you are

Learn more about the Warm Home Discount scheme

Cold Weather Payment (England, Wales and Northern Ireland)

There’s more support for people living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland who are affected by the colder weather. As the name suggests, the Cold Weather Payment is triggered by a drop in temperature.

• Applies between 1st November and 31st March
• Paid automatically to the energy account of people who already receive certain benefits such as income support and Pension Credit
• £25 per week if the temperature in your area drops to zero degrees or below for seven days in a row
• Based on local weather station data

Find out if you’re eligible for the Cold Weather Payment

Winter Heating Payment (Scotland)

Social Security Scotland also offer automatic payments to help with the winter heating payments. However, unlike the Cold Weather Payment, this doesn’t rely on temperatures dropping.

• Issued automatically between December and February
• One-off payment of £59.75
• Available to eligible people claiming Pension Credit or Universal Credit

Check if you’re eligible on the Scottish Gov site

Child Winter Heating Payment (Scotland)

To help disabled children and young people and their families, the Scottish government created the Child Winter Heating Assistance scheme in 2020.

• Annual one-off payment of £255.80
• Paid to households with a child or young person receiving disability-related benefits such as the Child Disability Payment
• Support with higher energy costs during winter
• Paid automatically into your energy account

Not sure if you’re eligible? Find out on the Scottish Gov site.

Get help with your heating costs this winter

You may qualify for one or more of the schemes available to help with bills during the cold weather. Take some time to read up about the different schemes available, and don’t forget to check guidance from your local authority. You can visit the British Gas website too! We’ve got lots of useful information about how to manage your energy and if you need support, we’re here for you.